From the Guidelines
Buoyancy in physical therapy is a fundamental concept that utilizes the upward force exerted by water to reduce the effects of gravity, making it an ideal environment for rehabilitation exercises, particularly for patients with injuries, arthritis, or mobility limitations. This property is extensively utilized in aquatic therapy to decrease weight-bearing stress on joints and muscles while providing natural resistance for rehabilitation exercises. When a patient exercises in water, they typically experience about 90% weight reduction when immersed to neck level, 50% at waist level, and 25% at knee level 1. This reduced gravitational load allows patients to perform movements that might be too painful or difficult on land. The therapeutic benefits include decreased joint compression, reduced pain, improved range of motion, and enhanced muscle strengthening with minimal stress.
Some of the key benefits of buoyancy in physical therapy include:
- Decreased joint compression
- Reduced pain
- Improved range of motion
- Enhanced muscle strengthening with minimal stress
- Multidirectional resistance provided by water's viscosity to strengthen muscles throughout the full range of motion. According to a recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, aquatic therapy may be used in addition to usual care during the early phase of rehabilitation to improve subjective knee function, and it is recommended to initiate it 3–4 weeks postoperative, once the wound has completely healed 1. However, land-based physical therapy interventions are conditionally recommended over aquatic therapy interventions for patients with active ankylosing spondylitis, due to the moderate-quality evidence and 100% agreement among the panel 1.
From the Research
Definition of Buoyancy in Physical Therapy
Buoyancy in physical therapy refers to the upward force exerted by a fluid, such as water, on an object or person partially or fully submerged in it. This force can be utilized to assist or resist movement, making it a valuable tool in rehabilitation.
Benefits of Buoyancy in Aquatic Therapy
- Buoyancy enhances stretching and allows for the initiation of resistive exercise at a low level 2
- The warmth and buoyancy of water make it an ideal medium for rehabilitation, relaxation, and training 2
- Buoyancy can be used to improve balance, walking ability, and overall mobility in individuals with neurological diseases or disorders 3, 4
- Aquatic exercise using water buoyancy and resistance can be an effective way to improve muscle strength, balance, and functional ability in the elderly 5
Applications of Buoyancy in Physical Therapy
- Aquatic therapy can be used to rehabilitate a range of conditions, including upper extremity impairments, stroke, and neurological diseases 6, 2, 3, 4
- Buoyancy can be used to modify exercises and make them more accessible for patients with limited mobility or strength 2
- Aquatic therapy can be used in conjunction with other forms of rehabilitation, such as land-based exercises, to provide a comprehensive treatment program 3